Shanwei, a major global hub for colored gemstone processing, will host a marine-themed fashion show on August 16 to showcase high-end jewelry inspired by the ocean.
"Shanwei produces one out of every two colored gemstones in the world." This is far more than just a marketing slogan; it is a broad consensus across the global jewelry industry.
Although Shanwei does not produce raw gemstones, the coastal city in Guangdong Province has built a major gemstone-processing industry around local cutting, polishing and setting techniques. The city imports and processes raw stones such as tanzanite from Tanzania, lapis lazuli from Afghanistan and sapphires from Sri Lanka before exporting finished products to more than 180 countries and regions.
In 2025, Shanwei's jewelry industry achieved an annual output value exceeding 35 billion yuan (about USD 5.2 billion), processing around 50,000 tons of colored gemstones and accounting for more than 70 percent of the world's crystal-bracelet processing. Today, the local sector comprises more than 24,000 business entities and employs over 100,000 workers.
The upcoming event will feature models showcasing custom pieces inspired by waves, shells, coral and marine life. In addition to the runway presentation, an interactive area will allow visitors to examine raw gemstones and practice basic gemstone polishing under the guidance of local craftspeople.
Date: August 16
Location: Haigang Wenlv Wharf, Shanwei City, Guangdong Province (广东省汕尾市海港文旅码头)
Author | Dong Han
Photo | Nanfang Daily
